A compact power adapter is disclosed. In one embodiment, a compact power adapter is facilitated by improved approaches to construct and assemble the power adapter. According to one aspect, connectors can serve to electrically couple blades (or prongs) of a power adapter plug to a printed circuit board assembly internal to a housing for the power adapter. The connectors serve to couple AC power to the printed circuit board assembly where the AC power can be converted to DC power. The connectors also facilitate assembly of the power adapter in that reliable interconnections can be provided without wires, soldering or other custom assembly operations. In one embodiment, a base for a power adapter plug of a power adapter can include a metal base connected to a blade (or prong) of the power adapter plug. The metal base can provide mechanical support to the blade as well as electrical connectivity to an internal terminal for the power adapter plug. The internal terminals used by a power adapter plug of a power adapter can be coupled to a printed circuit board assembly using connectors, thereby facilitating interconnection with electrical components used by the power adapter.
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1. A power adapter, comprising:
a first metal prong having a front end and a back end;
a first metal base mechanically and electrically connected to the back end of the first metal prong, the first metal base including or coupling to at least a first connection member, and wherein, prior to mechanical and electrical connection of the first metal base and the first metal prong, the first metal base and the first metal prong are separate parts;
a second metal prong having a front end and a back end;
a second metal base mechanically and electrically connected to the back end of the second metal prong, the second metal base including or coupling to at least a second connection member, and wherein, prior to mechanical and electrical connection of the second metal base and the second metal prong, the second metal base and the second metal prong are separate parts;
a molded cap formed around the first and second metal bases such that the first and second metal prongs are at least partially exposed and the first and second metal bases are not exposed except for the first and second connection members which are at least partially exposed, the molded base being non-conductive;
a housing having a body with an opening configured to receive the molded cap; and
a printed circuit board assembly having a plurality of electrical components coupled thereto, the printed circuit board assembly being provided within the housing,
wherein when the molded cap is attached to the housing, the first metal prong is electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly via the first connection member, and the second metal prong is electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly via the second connection member.
18. A power adapter, comprising:
a first metal prong having a front end and a back end;
a first metal base mechanically and electrically connected to the back end of the first metal prong, the first metal base including or coupling to at least a first connection member, and wherein, prior to mechanical and electrical connection of the first metal base and the first metal prong, the first metal base and the first metal prong are separate parts;
a second metal prong having a front end and a back end;
a second metal base mechanically and electrically connected to the back end of the second metal prong, the second metal base including or coupling to at least a second connection member, and wherein, prior to mechanical and electrical connection of the second metal base and the second metal prong, the second metal base and the second metal prong are separate parts;
a housing having an internal region; and
a printed circuit board assembly having a plurality of electrical components coupled thereto, the printed circuit board assembly being provided within the internal region of the housing,
wherein the first metal prong is electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly via the first connection member, and the second metal prong is electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly via the second connection member,
wherein the housing includes a first part and a second part, and
wherein the first part of the housing includes a molded structure formed around the first and second metal bases such that the first and second metal prongs are at least partially exposed from the exterior of the housing and the first and second connection members are at least partially exposed within the interior of the housing, the molded structure being non-conductive.
3. A power adapter as recited in
5. A power adapter as recited in
6. A power adapter as recited in
a first connector mounted on the printed circuit board assembly, the first connector being configured to receive the first connection member when the molded cap is attached to the housing, thereby electrically connecting the first connection member, and thus the first metal prong, to the printed circuit board assembly; and
a second connector mounted on the printed circuit board assembly, the second connector being configured to receive the second connection member when the molded cap is attached to the housing, thereby electrically connecting the second connection member, and thus the second metal prong, to the printed circuit board assembly.
8. A power adapter as recited in
10. A power adapter as recited in
11. A portable power adapter as recited in
wherein the front end of the first metal prong includes an attachable tip that is configured to be attachable to the front end, and
wherein the front end of the second metal prong includes an attachable tip that is configured to be attachable to the front end.
12. A power adapter as recited in
wherein the first and second metal prongs extend outward from a first side of the molded cap, and the first and second connection members extend outward from a second side of the molded cap, the second side being opposite the first side, and
wherein the first and second connection members are positionally offset from the first and second metal prongs.
13. A power adapter as recited in
14. A portable power adapter as recited in
15. A portable power adapter as recited in
16. A power adapter as recited in
wherein the first and second metal prongs extend outward from a first side of the molded cap, and the first and second connection members extend outward from a second side of the molded cap, the second side being opposite the first side, and
wherein the first and second connection members are positionally offset from the first and second metal prongs.
17. A power adapter as recited in
19. A power adapter as recited in
20. A power adapter as recited in
wherein the first and second connection members are positionally offset from the first and second metal prongs.
21. A power adapter as recited in
a first connection region provided on the printed circuit board assembly, the first connection region being configured to couple with the first connection member, thereby electrically connecting the first connection member, and thus the first metal prong, to the printed circuit board assembly; and
a second connection region provided on the printed circuit board assembly, the second connection region being configured to couple with the second connection member, thereby electrically connecting the second connection member, and thus the second metal prong, to the printed circuit board assembly.
22. A power adapter as recited in
wherein the first and second metal prongs extend outward from an exterior surface of the housing, and the first and second connection members extend inward within the internal region of the housing, and
wherein the first and second connection members extend in opposite directions and are positionally offset from the first and second metal prongs.
23. A power adapter as recited in
wherein the first connection region includes a first connector for coupling with the first connection member, and
wherein the second connection region includes a second connector for coupling with the second connection member.
24. A power adapter as recited in
25. A portable power adapter as recited in
wherein the front end of the first metal prong includes an attachable tip that is configured to be attachable to the front end, and
wherein the front end of the second metal prong includes an attachable tip that is configured to be attachable to the front end.
26. A power adapter as recited in
27. A portable power adapter as recited in
28. A portable power adapter as recited in
29. A power adapter as recited in
wherein the first and second metal prongs extend outward from an exterior surface of the housing, and the first and second connection members extend inward within the internal region of the housing, and
wherein the first and second connection members extend in opposite directions and are positionally offset from the first and second metal prongs.
30. A power adapter as recited in
wherein the first metal prong has a front end and a back end, with the back end having at least one attachment feature,
wherein the first metal base has at least one opening to receive the at least one attachment feature of the first metal prong, and
wherein the first metal prong is secured proximate to the at least one opening of the first metal base using the at least one attachment feature, thereby providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the first metal prong and the first metal base.
31. A power adapter as recited in
wherein the second metal prong has a front end and a back end, with the back end having at least one attachment feature,
wherein the second metal base has at least one opening to receive the at least one attachment feature of the second metal prong, and
wherein the second metal prong is secured proximate to the at least one opening of the second metal base using the at least one attachment feature, thereby providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the second metal prong and the second metal base.
32. A power adapter as recited in
wherein the first and second metal prongs extend outward from an exterior surface of the housing, and the first and second connection members extend inward within the internal region of the housing, and
wherein the first and second connection members extend in opposite directions and are positionally offset from the first and second metal prongs.
33. A power adapter as recited in
a first connection region provided on the printed circuit board assembly, the first connection region being configured to couple with the first connection member, thereby electrically connecting the first connection member, and thus the first metal prong, to the printed circuit board assembly; and
a second connection region provided on the printed circuit board assembly, the second connection region being configured to couple with the second connection member, thereby electrically connecting the second connection member, and thus the second metal prong, to the printed circuit board assembly.
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This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/480,602, filed Jun. 8, 2009, entitled “LOW-PROFILE POWER ADAPTER” (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,702), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/135,044, filed Jun. 6, 2008, entitled “LOW-PROFILE POWER ADAPTER”, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,198), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to power adapters for electronic devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
There exists today may different portable electronic devices that are powered by rechargeable batteries. Examples of such portable electronic devices include mobile phones, portable media players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc. To facilitate recharging of the rechargeable batteries, a portable electronic device is normally sold with a power adapter. Typically, the power adapter has a power plug for coupling to an AC outlet. The power plug is a significant part of a power adapter that is required to meet certain specifications for safety reasons. The power adapter also contains electronic circuitry that converts AC power acquired from the AC outlet into DC power and outputs DC power via a cord having a connector. The connector of the cord connects to the portable electronic device and allows the DC power to be received at the portable electronic device so as to power the portable electronic device and/or charge the rechargeable battery. There is, however, an ongoing demand for small and thinner power adapters. Accordingly, there is a need to provide improved power adapters are efficient in their construction and operation.
The invention relates to compact power adapters. In one embodiment, a compact power adapter is facilitated by improved approaches to construct and assemble the power adapter. According to one aspect, connectors can serve to electrically couple blades (or prongs) of a power adapter plug to a printed circuit board assembly internal to a housing for the power adapter. The connectors serve to couple AC power to the printed circuit board assembly where the AC power can be converted to DC power. The connectors also facilitate assembly of the power adapter in that reliable interconnections can be provided without wires, soldering or other custom assembly operations. In one embodiment, a base for a power adapter plug of a power adapter can include a metal base connected to a blade (or prong) of the power adapter plug. The metal base can provide mechanical support to the blade as well as electrical connectivity to an internal terminal for the power adapter plug. The internal terminals used by a power adapter plug of a power adapter can be coupled to a printed circuit board assembly using connectors, thereby facilitating interconnection with electrical components used by the power adapter.
The invention may be implemented in numerous ways, including, but not limited to, as a system, device, or apparatus, or method. Example embodiments of the present invention are discussed below.
As a portable power adapter for a portable electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: a cap; at least one metal member extending through the cap; a housing having a body with an opening configured to receive the cap; a printed circuit board assembly having a plurality of electrical components coupled thereto can be provided in the housing; and at least one connector mounted on the printed circuit board assembly. The at least one connector can be configured to electrically connect the at least one metal member to the printed circuit board when the cap is attached to the housing.
As an electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: a housing having a plurality of external blades and at least one opening; an electrical connector accessible from the opening in the housing; and a printed circuit board assembly having a plurality of electrical components coupled thereto. The printed circuit board assembly can be provided within the housing and can be electrically connected to the electrical connector. The printed circuit board assembly can include a plurality of connector receptacles arranged to receive conductive members internal to the housing that electrically correspond to the external blades. The conductive members can be positionally offset from the external blades.
As a power adapter, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: a first metal prong having a front end and a back end; a first metal base mechanically and electrically connected to the back end of the first metal prong, the first metal base including or coupling to at least a first connection member; a second metal prong having a front end and a back end; a second metal base mechanically and electrically connected to the back end of the second metal prong, the second metal base including or coupling to at least a second connection member; a molded cap formed around the first and second metal bases such that the first and second metal prongs are at least partially exposed and the first and second metal bases are not exposed except for the first and second connection members which are at least partially exposed, the molded base being non-conductive; a housing having a body with an opening configured to receive the molded cap; and a printed circuit board assembly having a plurality of electrical components coupled thereto, the printed circuit board assembly being provided within the housing. When the molded cap is attached to the housing, the first metal prong is electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly via first connection member, and the second metal prong is electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly via second connection member.
As a power adapter, another embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: a first metal member including a first metal prong and a first connection member; a second metal member including a second metal prong and a second connection member; a molded cap formed around the first and second metal members such that the first and second metal prongs are at least partially exposed and the first and second connection members are at least partially exposed, the molded base being non-conductive; a housing having a body with an opening configured to receive the molded cap; a printed circuit board assembly having a plurality of electrical components coupled thereto, the printed circuit board assembly being provided within the housing; a first connector mounted on the printed circuit board assembly, the first connector being configured to receive the first connection member when the molded cap is attached to the housing, thereby electrically connecting the first connection member, and thus the first metal prong, to the printed circuit board assembly; and a second connector mounted on the printed circuit board assembly, the second connector being configured to receive the second connection member when the molded cap is attached to the housing, thereby electrically connecting the second connection member, and thus the second metal prong, to the printed circuit board assembly.
As a method for assembling a power adapter, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: obtaining a printed circuit board assembly having first and second electrical connectors and a plurality of electrical components mounted thereon; obtaining a housing for the power adapter, the housing including at least one opening for receiving the printed circuit board assembly; inserting the printed circuit board assembly into the housing via the at least one opening in the housing, wherein once the printed circuit board assembly is inserted into the housing, the first and second electrical connectors remain accessible via the opening in the housing; securing the printed circuit board assembly within the housing; and attaching a cap having first and second exposed inner contact members to the opening in the housing, wherein once the cap is attached to the opening in the housing, the first and second exposed inner contact member respectively electrically connect with the first and second electrical connectors.
Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The invention relates to compact power adapters. In one embodiment, a compact power adapter is facilitated by improved approaches to construct and assemble the power adapter. According to one aspect, connectors can serve to electrically couple blades (or prongs) of a power adapter plug to a printed circuit board assembly internal to a housing for the power adapter. The connectors serve to couple AC power to the printed circuit board assembly where the AC power can be converted to DC power. The connectors also facilitate assembly of the power adapter in that reliable interconnections can be provided without wires, soldering or other custom assembly operations. In one embodiment, a base for a power adapter plug of a power adapter can include a metal base connected to a blade (or prong) of the power adapter plug. The metal base can provide mechanical support to the blade as well as electrical connectivity to an internal terminal for the power adapter plug. The internal terminals used by a power adapter plug of a power adapter can be coupled to a printed circuit board assembly using connectors, thereby facilitating interconnection with electrical components used by the power adapter.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are discussed below with reference to the various figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes, as the invention extends beyond these embodiments.
The terminals 108 and 110 can be placed at any location on the second side of the base 102. In other words, in the terminals 108 and 110 do not have to be positioned directly behind the corresponding blades 104 and 106 as would be the case with conventional approaches. Instead, the terminals 108 and 110 can be offset from the positions of the blades 104 and 106, such that the terminals 108 and 110 can be positioned anywhere on the second side of the base 102. By controlling the position of the terminals 108 and 110, assembly of the power adapter 102 with other electrical components, such as a printed circuit board, can be performed in a space efficient manner. For example, the power adapter plug 100 can be directly attached to a printed circuit board since the position of the terminals 108 and 110 can be designed so as to correspond to connection terminals of the printed circuit board.
In one embodiment, advantageously, the thickness t of the base 102 is thin. The thickness t of the base 102 is, for example, less than about 0.5-3.0 millimeters. In one specific example the thickness t of the base 102 can be about 2.5 millimeters. As a result, the power adapter plug 100 can be considered a low-profile power adapter.
The electronic device assembly 200 includes a power adapter plug 202. The power adapter plug 202 can, for example, be constructed similar to the power adapter plug 100 illustrated in
In one embodiment, the power adapter plug 202 is a low-profile adapter plug which is able to couple directly to the printed circuit board 212 without intervening mechanical assistance by other components. As a result, the overall thickness of an electronic device (e.g., power adapter) being formed to enclose the electronic device assembly 200 can be smaller and thinner. As shown in
Once the power adapter plug 202 is electrically (and possibly mechanically) connected to the printed circuit board 212, the power adapter assembly 200 can be enclosed within an external device housing (not shown), thereby forming a power adapter product. In operation, the power adapter assembly 200 can serve to convert AC power into DC power, and then supply the DC power to electrical components of an electronic device which can be electrically connected to the power adapter assembly 200 directly (e.g., integral with electronic device) or indirectly (e.g., by connector and/or wire (cord). For example, the blades 204 and 206 of the power adapter assembly 200 can be inserted into an AC electrical outlet from which high-voltage alternating current can be acquired. The electrical components 214 associated with the printed circuit board 212 can operate to convert the high-voltage Alternating Current (AC) into a low-voltage Direct Current (DC) which is suitable for use for powering electrical components of the electronic device.
Although the power adapter assembly 200 illustrated in
The electronic device assembly process 300 can initially form 302 a low-profile power adapter plug with positionable terminals. As an example, the low-profile power adapter plug can correspond to the power adapter plug 100 illustrated in
As noted above terminals on a base of a power adapter can be positioned (or repositioned) to a more desirable location. In other words, the terminals can be positioned anywhere on a base of the power adapter. There are various embodiments for positioning the terminals. In one embodiment, a terminal can result from a portion of a metal base that is provided internal the base of the power adapter plug. In another embodiment, one or more connection members can link a metal base to a terminal location.
The first base plate 408 is coupled to a rear end of the blade 404. The first base plate 408 serves as a structural base for the blade 404. In one implementation, the first base plate 408 is mechanically connected to the blade 404. The mechanical connection can, for example, be provided by (i) interlocking the blade 404 with the first base plate 408, (ii) soldering the parts together, and/or (iii) using some attachment members (such as screws, fasteners or rivets). In addition to providing mechanical connection, once the first base plate 408 is connected to the blade 404, the blade 404 and the first base plate 408 are also electrically connected.
Similarly, the second base plate 410 is coupled to a rear end of the blade 406. The second base plate 410 serves as a structural base for the blade 406. In one implementation, the second base plate 410 is mechanically connected to the blade 406. The mechanical connection can, for example, be provided by (i) interlocking the blade 406 with the second base plate 410, (ii) soldering the parts together, and/or (iii) using some attachment members (such as screws, fasteners or rivets). In addition to providing mechanical connection, once the second base plate 410 is connected to the blade 406, the blade 406 and the second base plate 410 are also electrically connected.
The first base plate 408 and the second base plate 410 can also respectively serve to support a first terminal 412 and a second terminal 414. The terminals 412 and 414 are at least partially exposed and thus accessible on the back side of the base 402. The terminals 412 and 414 serve as internal connection points for the power adapter plug 400. Hence, the terminals 412 and 414 can also be referred to as internal terminals. The utilization of the base plates 408 and 410 operates to facilitate the placement of the terminals 412 and 414 anywhere along the back side of the base 402. Consequently, the interconnection of the power adapter plug 400 with respect to other electrical circuitry or components is greatly facilitated.
The first base plate 458 is coupled to a rear end of the blade 454. The first base plate 458 serves as a structural base for the blade 454. In one implementation, the first base plate 458 is mechanically connected to the blade 454. The mechanical connection can, for example, be provided by (i) interlocking the blade 454 with the first base plate 458, (ii) soldering the parts together, and/or (iii) using some attachment members (such as screws, fasteners or rivets). In addition to providing mechanical connection, once the first base plate 458 is connected to the blade 454, the blade 454 and the first base plate 458 are also electrically connected. In addition, the base 452 can further include a first connection member 462 that provides a path within the base 452 from the first base plate 458 to a first terminal 464. The first terminal 464 is electrically connected to the first base plate 458 via the first connection member 462. The first terminal 464 is at least partially exposed and thus accessible on the back side of the base 452. The first connection member 462 can be integrally formed with the first base plate 458. Alternatively, the first connection member 462 can be separately formed and subsequently connected to the first base plate 458. The first connection member 462 thus permits the first terminal 464 to be positioned (and oriented) in any position along the back side of the base 452.
Similarly, the second base plate 460 is coupled to a rear end of the blade 456. The second base plate 460 serves as a structural base for the blade 456. In one implementation, the second base plate 460 is mechanically connected to the blade 456. The mechanical connection can, for example, be provided by (i) interlocking the blade 456 with the second base plate 460, (ii) soldering the parts together, and/or (iii) using some attachment members (such as screws, fasteners or rivets). In addition to providing mechanical connection, once the second base plate 460 is connected to the blade 456, the blade 456 and the second base plate 460 are also electrically connected. In addition, the base 452 can further include a second connection member 466 that provides a path within the base 452 from the second base plate 460 to a second terminal 468. The second terminal 468 is electrically connected to the second base plate 460 via the second connection member 466. The second terminal 468 is at least partially exposed and thus accessible on the back side of the base 452. The second connection member 466 can be integrally formed with the second base plate 460. Alternatively, the second connection member 466 can be separately formed and subsequently connected to the second base plate 460. The second connection member 466 thus permits the second terminal 468 to be positioned (and oriented) in any position along the back side of the base 452.
The terminals 464 and 468 serve as internal connection points for the power adapter plug 450. Hence, the terminals 464 and 468 can also be referred to as internal terminals. The utilization of the base plates 458 and 460 together with the respective connection members 462 and 466 facilitates the placement of the terminals 464 and 468 anywhere along the back side of the base 452. Consequently, the interconnection of the power adapter plug 450 with respect to other electrical circuitry or components is greatly facilitated.
The first base plate 478 is coupled to a rear end of the prong 474. The first base plate 478 serves as a structural base for the prong 474. In one implementation, the first base plate 478 is mechanically connected to the prong 474. The mechanical connection can, for example, be provided by (i) interlocking the prong 474 with the first base plate 478, (ii) soldering the parts together, and/or (iii) using some attachment members (such as screws, fasteners or rivets). In addition to providing mechanical connection, once the first base plate 478 is connected to the prong 474, the prong 474 and the first base plate 478 are also electrically connected. In addition, the base 472 can further include a first connection member 482 that provides a path within the base 472 from the first base plate 478 to a first connector 484 (e.g., pin or post type connector), which serves as a first terminal. The first connector 484 is electrically connected to the first base plate 478 via the first connection member 482. The first connector 484 is at least partially exposed and thus accessible on the back side of the base 472. The first connection member 482 can be integrally formed with the first base plate 478. Alternatively, the first connection member 482 can be separately formed and subsequently connected to the first base plate 478. The first connection member 482 thus permits the first connector 484 to be positioned (and oriented) in any position along the back side of the base 472.
Similarly, the second base plate 480 is coupled to a rear end of the prong 476. The second base plate 480 serves as a structural base for the prong 476. In one implementation, the second base plate 460 is mechanically connected to the prong 476. The mechanical connection can, for example, be provided by (i) interlocking the prong 476 with the second base plate 480, (ii) soldering the parts together, and/or (iii) using some attachment members (such as screws, fasteners or rivets). In addition to providing mechanical connection, once the second base plate 480 is connected to the prong 476, the prong 476 and the second base plate 480 are also electrically connected. In addition, the base 472 can further include a second connection member 486 that provides a path within the base 472 from the second base plate 480 to a second connector 488 (e.g., pin or post type connector), which serves as a second terminal. The second connector 488 is electrically connected to the second base plate 480 via the second connection member 486. The second connector 488 is at least partially exposed and thus accessible on the back side of the base 472. The second connection member 486 can be integrally formed with the second base plate 480. Alternatively, the second connection member 486 can be separately formed and subsequently connected to the second base plate 480. The second connection member 486 thus permits the second terminal 488 to be positioned (and oriented) in any position along the back side of the base 472.
The connectors 484 and 488 serve as internal connection points for the power adapter plug 470. Hence, the connectors 484 and 488 can also be referred to as internal terminals. The utilization of the base plates 478 and 480 together with the respective connection members 482 and 486 facilitates the placement of the terminals 484 and 488 anywhere along the back side of the base 472. Consequently, the interconnection of the power adapter 470 with respect to other electrical circuitry or components is greatly facilitated.
The blades (or probes) and base plates utilized in accordance with the invention can take may different sizes and configurations. The blades can also attach to the base plates in various different ways.
The blades (or prongs) used with the power adapter plug are metal. For example, the blades can be stainless steel or cooper. The formation of the blades can done using an extruding or stamping techniques. Stamping tends to leave shear marks which can be undesirable. Hence, it may be preferred to extrude the blades since the surface quality of the edges of the blades can clean, smooth and without shear marks. In one embodiment, the blades can be formed by extruding a metal bar having a width as desired for the height of the blades. Then, individual blades can be separated (or singulated) from the metal bar using a stamping process. Since the stamping of the metal bar does not stamp the sides of the blades (since the width is accurately set by the extruded bar), the surface quality of the sides of the blades is excellent. The exposed end (i.e., exposed tip) of the blades can usually thereafter be smoothed or rounded by a polishing or grinding step so that insertion into an AC outlet facilitated.
In one implementation, the non-conductive base is formed 610 using an injection molding process. The utilization of the metal bases to mechanically support and electrically connect with the metal prongs allows the thickness of the non-conductive base to be relatively thin. In other words, the non-conductive base can be formed with a minimized thickness which facilitates smaller and more compact power adapter designs.
In any case, following the block 706 or the block 708, the power adapter assembly process 700 can mechanically and electrically connect 710 the first metal base to the first metal prong. Similarly, the second metal base can be mechanically and electrically connected 712 to the second metal prong. Thereafter, a non-conductive base can be formed at 714 around the first and second metal bases. The non-conductive base that is formed 714 has the terminals at least partially exposed on the surface of the non-conductive base.
Additionally, after constructing the power adapter plug in accordance with the power adapter assembly process 600 illustrated in
The power adapter assembly process 800 can obtain 802 a printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly includes electrical connectors and electrical components mounted thereon. A housing having an opening is also obtained 804. The housing serves as the external surface for the power adapter product. Next, the printed circuit board assembly can be inserted 806 into the housing via the opening. In one embodiment, the housing can provide a single opening through which articles to be included within the housing can be inserted. Namely, the printed circuit board assembly can be inserted 806 into the housing through the opening. Additionally, the printed circuit board assembly can then be secured 808 within the housing. The printed circuit board assembly can be secured within the housing in a variety of different ways. For example, the printed circuit board assembly can be secured 808 by an adhesive, such as glue. Alternatively, as another example, the printed circuit board assembly can be secured 808 within the housing through use of heat stakes, snaps or various other mechanical members. Thereafter, an end piece can be attached 810 to the opening in the housing. Here, the end piece can serve to close the opening in the housing, thereby essentially sealing the opening in the housing. In doing so, exposed inner contact members of the end piece can respectively electrically connect with electrical connectors on the printed circuit board assembly. Hence, when the end piece is attached 810 to the opening, the inner contact members of the end piece can electrically coupled to the electrical connectors on the printed circuit board assembly. Consequently, electrical connection between the blades of the end piece can be made to the printed circuit board assembly by way of the inner contact members.
In general, the number, position, size and shape of blades (prongs) of a power adapter can vary depending on country or standard. In embodiments discussed herein the power adapters utilize two or three blades (prongs). If a third blade is provide, the third blade is typically provided as a ground or earthing member.
The electronic device assembly 900 includes a power adapter end piece 902. The power adapter end piece 902 can, for example, be constructed similar to the power adapter plug 100 illustrated in
In one embodiment, the power adapter end piece 902 is a low-profile power adapter cap which is able to couple directly to the printed circuit board 912 with little or no intervening by other components. As a result, the overall thickness of an electronic device (e.g., power adapter) being formed by the electronic device assembly 900 can be smaller and thinner. As shown in
As shown in
In operation, the electronic device assembly 900, namely, power adapter product, can serve to convert AC power into DC power, and then supply the DC power to electrical components of an electronic device which can be electrically connected to the power adapter assembly 900 directly (e.g., integral with electronic device) or indirectly (e.g., by connector and/or wire (cord)). For example, the blades 904 and 906 of the electronic device assembly 900 can be inserted into an AC electrical outlet from which high-voltage Alternating Current (AC) can be acquired. The electrical components 914 associated with the printed circuit board 912 can operate to convert the high-voltage Alternating Current (AC) into a low-voltage Direct Current (DC) which is suitable for use for powering electrical components of the electronic device.
Although the electronic device assembly 900 illustrated in
An end piece 1002 can be formed. The end piece 1002 has first and second blades (plugs) 1004 and 1005, which can be inserted into an AC outlet. From the view in
A printed circuit board assembly 1014 is also formed. The printed circuit board assembly 1014 includes a printed circuit board 1016 having a plurality of electrical components 1018 attached onto at least one side of the printed circuit board 1016 to provide various electrical operations. Also attached to the printed circuit board 1016 are a first connector 1020 and a second connector 1022. The first connector 1020 includes an opening 1024 (e.g., slot), and the second connector 1022 includes an opening 1026.
After the printed circuit board assembly 1014 has been formed, the printed circuit board assembly 1014 can be inserted into a housing 1028. The housing 1028 includes an outer surface 1030, which acts as an outer surface for much of the power adapter 1100. The printed circuit board assembly 1014 can be secured to an inner surface 1032 of the housing 1028. Thereafter, the end piece 1002 can be placed into the opening 1034 of the housing 1028. The end piece 1002 can also be secured to the opening 1034 and/or the housing 1028. When the end piece 1002 is placed within the opening 1034 of the housing 1028, the opening 1024 in the first connector 1020 receives the first connection member 1010, thereby providing an electrical connection between the first blade 1004 and the printed circuit board assembly 1014, and the opening 1026 in the second connector 1022 receives the second connection member, 1012 thereby providing an electrical connection between the second blade 1005 and the printed circuit board assembly 1014. The additional blade 1006 can be a guide or orientation member or may provide a ground (or earthed) connection. Hence, the additional blade 1006 may not need to connect with the printed circuit board assembly 1014.
In operation, the power adapter 1100 can serve to convert AC power into DC power, and then supply the DC power to electrical components of an electronic device which can be electrically connected to the power adapter 1100 directly (e.g., integral with electronic device) or indirectly (e.g., by connector and/or wire (cord)). For example, the blades 1004 and 1005 as well as the additional blade 1006 of the power adapter 1100 can be inserted into an AC electrical outlet from which high-voltage alternating current can be acquired. The electrical components 1018 associated with the printed circuit board 1016 can operate to convert the high-voltage Alternating Current (AC) into a low-voltage Direct Current (DC) which is suitable for use for powering electrical components of the electronic device.
Electrical plugs and their sockets differ by country in shape, size and type of connectors. The type used in each country is set by national standards legislation. The power adapters described herein are not limited to any particular type or configuration. Hence, as an example, the number, size and configuration of blades depicted and described in the various embodiments can vary.
The electronic device assembly 1200 includes a power adapter end piece 1202. The power adapter end piece 1202 can, for example, be constructed similar to the power adapter plug 100 illustrated in
In one embodiment, the power adapter end piece 1202 is a low-profile power adapter cap which is able to couple adjacent an end of the printed circuit board 1212 with little or no intervening by other components. As a result, the overall length and thickness of an electronic device (e.g., power adapter) being formed by the electronic device assembly 1200 can be smaller and thinner. As shown in
As shown in
In operation, the electronic device assembly 1200, namely, power adapter product, can serve to convert AC power into DC power, and then supply the DC power to electrical components of an electronic device which can be electrically connected to the power adapter assembly 1200 directly (e.g., integral with electronic device) or indirectly (e.g., by connector and/or wire (cord)). For example, the blades 1204 and 1206 of the electronic device assembly 1200 can be inserted into an AC electrical outlet from which high-voltage Alternating Current (AC) can be acquired. The electrical components 1214 associated with the printed circuit board 1212 can operate to convert the high-voltage Alternating Current (AC) into a low-voltage Direct Current (DC) which is suitable for use for powering electrical components of the electronic device.
Although the electronic device assembly 1200 illustrated in
Additional details on power adapters and compact housings can be fount in (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/135,044, filed Dec. 6, 2008, entitled “LOW-PROFILE POWER ADAPTER”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/140,599, filed Dec. 23, 2008, entitled “COMPACT DEVICE HOUSING AND ASSEMBLY TECHNIQUES THEREFOR”, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the invention can be used separately or in any combination.
The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.
Frazier, Cameron, Schmidt, Mathias, Stiehl, Kurt, Aase, Jonathan
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